Jada Pinkett Smith Confirms "Red Table Talk" Will Discuss Oscars Incident

Image Source: Getty / Mike Coppola

Jada Pinkett Smith is directly addressing the Oscars incident. "Red Table Talk" returned on April 20, and the first post-Oscars episode began with a written message from Pinkett Smith regarding Will Smith's altercation with Chris Rock at the award ceremony.

"The Smith family has been focusing on deep healing."

"Considering all that has happened in the last few weeks, the Smith family has been focusing on deep healing," the statement read. "Some of the discoveries around our healing will be shared at The Table when the time comes," suggesting the family may discuss the altercation later in the season. "Until then . . . The Table will continue offering itself to powerful, inspiring, and healing testimonies like that of our incredibly impressive first guest."

"Red Table Talk" season five kicked off with a roundtable conversation with Janelle Monáe, filmed prior to the Oscars on March 27. Pinkett Smith, as well as her daughter, Willow Smith, and mother, Adrienne Banfield-Norris, regularly tackle difficult topics on the show.

Pinkett Smith previously reacted with a vague public response two days after the televised incident, sharing a graphic on Instagram that read, "This is a season for healing and I'm for it." On April 8, the Academy voted to ban Smith from all of its events, including the Oscars, for the next 10 years. Smith responded, saying he accepted and respected the decision. The "King Richard" actor also posted on Instagram immediately following the altercation, apologizing to the Academy and Rock directly. Though Rock said he was "still processing" the slap at his stand-up show on March 30, he has not yet addressed it publicly.

Ahead, watch the latest "Red Table Talk" episode featuring Pinkett Smith's response.

Janelle Monáe’s Hidden Struggles

Trailblazing global superstar Janelle Monáe joins the Red Table and shares her inspiring message for anyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t fit in or can’t be themselves. This unapologetic Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, actor, fashion icon, LGBTQIA+ superhero, and author of the new book "The Memory Librarian: And Other Stories of Dirty Computer" reveals what inspired her to come out later in life. Janelle shares how she overcame her fears of abandonment and healed from the traumatizing effects of her father’s drug addiction. Then, a special appearance by Janelle’s fierce and fun-loving mom shakes up the Table. Plus, a dream comes true for a Janelle superfan.

Posted by Red Table Talk on Wednesday, April 20, 2022